The New York Yankees’ 2023 season has not gone to plan, as the Bronx Bombers are at this moment set to finish with a sub-.500 record just one year after an appearance in the ALCS. With a little more than a week before the final month of the season, the Yankees have summoned prospect Everson Pereira from the Minors. Here’s a closer look at the 22-year-old.
Related: What to Expect from Tigers Outfielder Parker Meadows
A Look at Pereira
It’s been a peculiar rise to the Majors for Yankees outfielder Everson Pereira, a toolsy 22-year-old that possesses plenty of talent but has struggled to stay on the field at times.
Pereira missed significant time in both 2019 and 2021, the latter of which proved to be a real breakthrough for him. The 22-year-old blasted 20 home runs and drove in 57 over just 49 games that season. He didn’t put eye-popping numbers last year (.277/.350/.469, 14 HR, 40 XBH in 102 G) in A+ and AA, but were nonetheless respectable.
This season, Pereira hit .300/.373/.548 with 18 home runs and 37 extra base hits in 81 games between two levels (AA and AAA). The 22-year-old rolled through Scranton Wilkes-Barre (AAA), as he posted a .312/.386/.551 slash line with eight home runs and 16 extra base hits over 35 games.
Pereira could do quite well in Yankee Stadium with his power. The 22-year-old showed impressive bat speed and quick hands, and was able to muscle balls deep to both sides of the field in the Minors. Now, he’ll get a chance to see if he can do the same in a Yankees outfield that at this moment includes utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Harrison Bader, and Aaron Judge.
Pereira was summoned to the MLB roster along with infielder Oswald Peraza. Outfield Billy McKinney was placed on the IL, while Greg Allen was designated for assignment.
What it Means for the Yankees and Fantasy Outlook
Entering play in August 22, the Yankees had lost eight in a row and fell down to 60-64. New York’s dealt with a ton of injuries this season, as Aaron Judge, Carlos Rodón, and more recently Anthony Rizzo, have all missed significant time this season. Not to mention, many of the team’s stalwarts like Rizzo and Luis Severino have had difficult campaigns.
Should the Yankees continue to struggle, they’re in serious danger of a losing season — something not seen in The Bronx since 1992. But with the Yanks poised to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016, it’s a good time for New York to see what the front office has with both Pereira and Peraza.
As far as Pereira’s fantasy outlook is concerned, the 22-year-old possesses power and speed and is someone worth watching.
If he plays everyday and can continue his hot streak, the young Yankees outfielder could be a nice find for those in need of a other outfielder. But again, use caution as always when dealing with rookies.
